Auto dealers urged to improve protection of buyer data, from The Detroit News.
As car-buying increasingly shifts to online research and purchasing, some industry groups are urging dealers to better protect customers’ personal information — things like Social Security numbers, bank accounts, phone numbers and vehicle purchase history.
State and federal laws help dictate how customers’ information is stored and secured, and no dealer group has suffered a major hack. But mobile apps and car-shopping websites have increased the possibility.
While some automaker trade associations have developed privacy guidelines, and customers can guard themselves by using trusted dealers and secure websites, most of the responsibility falls on dealers’ shoulders.
“Customers should always take care online, and shopping for a car is no different,” said Mike Hindelang, co-leader of data security and privacy for the Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP law firm, which advises businesses on these matters.
